Jovan Buha of The Athletic believes there’s about a 10 percent chance LeBron James isn’t back with the Los Angeles Lakers next NBA season.
The four-time NBA MVP and four-time Finals MVP told Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report and Dave McMenamin of ESPN after Los Angeles lost to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals in four games he might retire this summer.
“Based on conversations I’ve had over the past week or so, I’d say there’s about a 10 percent chance LeBron James isn’t back as a Laker next season, either due to retirement or playing for another team,” Buha wrote. “Everyone with and around the team I’ve spoken to believes he’s returning.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James & Los Angles Lakers Updates
James has a torn tendon in his right foot and the Lakers superstar may need surgery this offseason, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. If LeBron has surgery, he could be sidelined for two months.
“Lakers superstar LeBron James played the last few months with a torn tendon in his foot that could require surgery this offseason, league sources confirmed to The Athletic,” Charania wrote. “James will undergo further evaluations, but a surgery that could sideline him for two months during the offseason is among the possibilities, sources indicated. If surgery is required, James would be expected to recover by the start of training camp next season.”
James is 38 years old. He signed a two-year extension with the Lakers last summer. The King, who turns 39 next season, has a player option for the 2024-25 season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James & Los Angles Lakers Updates
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer, James averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists this season while shooting 50.0% from the field, 32.1% from beyond the arc and 76.8% from the free-throw line. The 19-time All-Star and future Hall of Famer led the Lakers to the conference finals after the team started the season 2-10.
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